Next Time Away novel · Chapter 8 of 24

Chapter 8: Driving While Revoked

The social worker took me into the family room and shut the door, and Dagny was not invited.

I heard her through the wood, saying something about how she only wanted to help.

"Mrs. Ellingson," the woman said, and opened her clipboard. "I have to ask you some questions."

"Ask them all," I said. "I brought papers."

I had kept every sheet in my purse since the clinic.

I laid them on the table one at a time.

My blood pressure readings from the week before the birth.

The doctor's note about the preeclampsia.

The caregiver form with Dagny's name crossed out and my revocation signed and dated.

"I have no mental health history," I said. "I have never been prescribed anything. I'm a school librarian. The only thing I've done wrong this month is lock the door of my own house."

The social worker read every page.

"Who is Dagny Ellingson to you?" she asked.

"My husband's brother's widow. She moved into my nursery while I was at a scan."

The woman stopped writing.

"She told us you were not sleeping, not eating and talking about harming yourself."

"I've been eating hospital muffins for nine days," I said. "I'll eat one in front of you."

I think that was when she believed me.

She slid my papers back across the table and asked if there was anyone I trusted at home.

I thought of the green truck.

"Yes," I said.

"I'll note no concerns," she said. "But I have to tell you something. She also told us a man with a criminal record is driving you and the baby."

"He's the reason the baby is alive."

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